Sam Burns edged ahead of Filipino-American J.J. Spaun in a tense third round at the US Open on Saturday, carding a one-under-par 69 to take a slim one-stroke lead going into the final day at the grueling Oakmont Country Club.
Burns, now at four-under 206, holds the advantage over Spaun and Australia’s Adam Scott, both tied at 207, while Norway’s Viktor Hovland sits two strokes back at 209.
Burns and Spaun both found trouble in the rough on the 18th hole, but it was Burns who managed a par save while Spaun landed in a bunker and settled for bogey.
“I didn’t drive the ball as well as I would have liked, but when I got out of position I did a good job of getting myself back in the fairway,” said Burns. “That was key to the round.”
Spaun, whose lone PGA Tour win came in 2022, remained upbeat.
“This is the best I’ve played in my career, for sure,” Spaun said. “I’m just happy I’m still within shouting distance — 18 is just a tough hole if you’re out of position. Bogeys happen at Oakmont.”
Veteran Adam Scott surged into contention with a three-under 67, birdieing three of the last six holes. The 44-year-old could become the second-oldest US Open winner in history.
“It would be super fulfilling,” said Scott. “If I were to come away with it tomorrow, it would be a hell of a round of golf and an exclamation point on my career.”
Hovland, who shot an even-par 70, remains optimistic despite two late bogeys from bunkers.
“I’ve got a chance tomorrow. If I shoot a low round then anything can happen,” he said.
Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz also made a strong push with a 67, landing in solo fifth at even-par 210.
Meanwhile, some big names struggled. Rory McIlroy slumped to a 74 after bogeys on three of his last five holes, finishing the day at 220.
“The name of the game this week is staying patient,” McIlroy said. “But it’s one of those golf courses that you can lose patience on pretty quickly.”
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler sits at 214 after a 70, lamenting missed opportunities.
“I made a few silly mistakes, a couple three-putts, which is just a killer,” Scheffler said.
With the final round set, Sunday promises a thrilling conclusion as Burns, Spaun, Scott, and Hovland battle it out for the $4.3 million top prize.